The Kings of Oak Springs - Episode 47 - Kate King’s 18th Birthday Celebration

Kate King’s 18th birthday fell on Friday, March 10th, in 1882. In cooperation with her parents, Kate, along with her family, was invited by the Campbell’s to a birthday party on Saturday afternoon at the Campbell’s home. Vic greeted Kate at the door and invited everyone in to the decorated living room. The two families had spent enough time together, already, that they felt like family, and made themselves right at home.

After they had gone through all the normal birthday traditions, Ralph Campbell said there was one more gift he wanted to present to Kate. “Not exactly a gift, I suppose, because you have earned it. The bank has decided to offer you a job at the bank, as a clerk, when you finish your schooling. From the end of school until the end of June, you will work with Vic, at the bank, three days a week, learning to do what he has been doing, and carry on that work.” Then, he continued. “With your parents’ permission, we have arranged for you to stay at the Boarding House on the two nights between your work. That way, you can come in to town to your job on Monday morning, and stay in town, on your own, for the three days, then return home on Wednesday after work. How does that sound?”

Kate: I hardly know what to say. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity. (Looking at her parents) Did you know about this?

Katherine: Yes, we’ve worked together to come up with what we felt would be a workable arrangement for everyone. We hope you agree.

Kate: Oh, yes. I assume then that you are alright with my staying in town for two nights a week.

Katherine: We feel like it will give you some good experience that you don’t get by staying on the farm all the time. You are old enough to handle it, we feel.

Kate: I really look forward to the opportunity. I’m pleased you have that confidence in me.

Katherine: That was never a question. As Mr. Campbell said, you have earned it.

Kate: Thank you, very much, everyone.

Karl: So, the Town Council approved the addition of the Mayor position to town government?

Joseph: Yes, after what felt like endless discussion of change versus maintaining our own town traditions, the council voted unanimously to add the Mayor position, to replace the Chairman of the Council position. By doing this, of course, both sides of the issue sort of won, or lost, depending on your point of view. It could be done without an election, and everyone agreed that was a good idea. We didn’t need to incur that expense. Now, we are in compliance with the state, and comparable to other communities on the issue. I feel confident the issue will now go away, as a source of conflict.

Karl: Glad to hear that. Although I don’t live in town, I’ve felt all members of the council have acted in good faith on each issue that I cared about.

Joseph: I’m pleased to hear that, thank you.

Karl: How is the rental housing market now that spring is just around the corner.

Joseph: Funny you should ask. Just yesterday, we purchased Block EE to begin adding more houses, when time and weather permit. We’ve had more than a couple of inquiries about buying a couple of the existing rentals, so we decided it was time to move ahead. This is the time of year to make that decision, so we did it.

Karl: You and Abner have made really great partners in this business, it appears to me. Keep up the good work.

Joseph: Well, as long the economy holds up, and folks keep paying their bills, we’ll be all right. We do depend on the good will of all those involved, of course. From finding workers to build, being able to get the materials on hand, finding good renters, and then a few buyers, from time to time. It is a wonderful cycle when everything works well. But, we could ‘go broke’ quick, if the cycle were to be broken. So, like farming, we are not without risk.

Karl: Good reminder for each of us, on both accounts. I’ve been very fortunate for things to have gone well purchasing the extra land for our farm. But, I do depend on my neighbors to participate, and for there to be a market for my excess crops. There continue to be a number of things that have to go right to continue to succeed. And, there are a number of things that could go wrong, mainly the weather, of course. This strange winter we have had does cause some concern. What will we get next is always the question?

Trey Parks and Alfred Weston were pleased to host the 3rd Anniversary of the opening of the Parks Wagon Works Sales and Implement Office on Saturday, April 1. There were specials available for in store purchases as well as for firm orders placed for larger items to be constructed. John Deere participated with the introduction of some new models for local farmers to consider for the upcoming season.

The Wednesday, April 5 edition of the Oak Springs Enterprise carried on the front page the story that Jesse James was killed by Bob Ford in St. Joseph on April 3.

Following the very cold early February, March was relatively normal and farmers were beginning to think about getting into their fields. However, April began with rain just about every day, and if it didn’t rain one day, it seemed to rain more and harder the following day. Rivers and creeks were running full, or overflowing, on a regular basis, with each new round of rainfall, throughout the valley.